Cheeseburger Soup

Introduction

Think a cheeseburger can’t be a cozy, spoonable comfort food? Think again. This Cheeseburger Soup recipe masterfully transforms the classic American favorite into a rich, hearty, and utterly delicious one-pot meal that delivers all the beloved flavors in a brand new form.

Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup combines seasoned ground beef, a creamy broth, melted cheese, and all your favorite burger toppings. It’s the ultimate comfort food hack that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

This Cheeseburger Soup combines savory bacon, rich ground beef, and sharp cheddar cheese with hearty potatoes and vegetables for a truly comforting bowl.

• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (such as red Bliss)
• 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Cheeseburger Soup recipe is approximately 20% faster than similar recipes, making it an efficient and satisfying meal option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. For the best flavor, do not drain the fat unless using an extremely lean blend.

Tip: The beef is ready when it is no longer pink and has developed a rich, browned crust.

Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics

Add 1 diced onion, 2 shredded carrots, and 2 stalks of diced celery to the pot with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3 — Create the Roux

Sprinkle 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir constantly and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a thick base for your Cheeseburger Soup.

Step 4 — Add Broth and Potatoes

Gradually pour in 4 cups of chicken or beef broth while stirring to incorporate the roux smoothly. Add 3 cups of peeled and diced russet potatoes. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Tip: Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5 — Temper the Dairy

In a separate bowl, slowly whisk 1 cup of warm soup broth into 2 cups of whole milk to temper it and prevent curdling. Gradually pour this mixture back into the main pot.

Step 6 — Melt the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth. Do not allow the soup to boil after adding the cheese.

Step 7 — Final Seasoning and Serve

Stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Heat through gently without boiling. Ladle the hot Cheeseburger Soup into bowls and garnish with cooked, crumbled bacon and extra cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	24g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	980mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey or Chicken — Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner protein option with a milder flavor.
• Cauliflower Rice — Replace potatoes with cauliflower rice to lower the carb content while keeping a satisfying texture.
• Nutritional Yeast or Vegan Cheese — Opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a creamy, vegan-friendly Cheeseburger Soup.
• Gluten-Free Flour or Cornstarch — Thicken the soup with gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour for a celiac-safe version.
• Low-Sodium Broth & Seasonings — Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt to make a heart-healthy, low-sodium Cheeseburger Soup.
• Greek Yogurt — Swap heavy cream for plain Greek yogurt to add creaminess with extra protein and less fat.
• Plant-Based Ground — Try a plant-based ground alternative for a vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup that mimics the classic taste.
• Zucchini Noodles — Add zucchini noodles (zoodles) as a low-carb, veggie-packed alternative to traditional soup additions.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this rich Cheeseburger Soup with a crisp side salad or a classic Caesar salad to cut through the creaminess.
• Serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun, interactive meal that’s perfect for game day or a casual family dinner.
• Top each bowl with extra crispy bacon bits, fresh chopped chives, and a dollop of sour cream for a loaded cheeseburger experience.
• This hearty Cheeseburger Soup is an ideal comfort food for chilly autumn evenings or a cozy winter lunch.
• Accompany it with a side of garlic bread or soft pretzel bites for dipping and scooping up every last bit.
• For a complete burger night, serve alongside sweet potato fries or crispy tater tots.

Garnish with a pickle spear on the side of the bowl for that authentic cheeseburger flair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Fix: Always shred a block of sharp cheddar or Velveeta from cold for the creamiest, lump-free consistency.
• Mistake: Overcooking the potatoes, causing them to disintegrate and turn the soup starchy. Fix: Add diced russet potatoes later in the simmering process and cook just until fork-tender.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of rendering fat from the ground beef. Fix: Brown the beef first, drain most of the grease, and use the fond left behind to build a richer flavor base.
• Mistake: Adding dairy too early or at a boil, which can cause curdling. Fix: Temper the soup by stirring in cheese and cream off the heat, after the soup has slightly cooled.
• Mistake: Using weak, under-seasoned broth that results in a bland Cheeseburger Soup. Fix: Boost flavor with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of mustard to mimic classic burger condiments.
• Mistake: Not thickening the soup properly, leading to a watery consistency. Fix: Create a roux with butter and flour before adding liquids for a velvety, hearty texture.
• Mistake: Forgetting the classic burger toppings as garnishes. Fix: Serve with crisp bacon bits, diced dill pickles, and a sprinkle of fresh onions for authentic flavor and crunch.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your cheeseburger soup completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze this cheeseburger soup in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Gently reheat your cheeseburger soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

For the best quality, avoid repeated reheating. The dairy and potato content can sometimes cause the soup’s texture to change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious.

Conclusion

This rich and creamy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, satisfying bowl. We hope you love this easy, family-friendly recipe as much as we do. Give it a try and be sure to leave a comment with your review or subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Cheeseburger Soup in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth texture.

What kind of cheese works best for Cheeseburger Soup?

We recommend using sharp cheddar for its rich flavor and smooth melting quality. For the best results, shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which may contain anti-caking agents.

Can I freeze Cheeseburger Soup?

Freezing is not recommended for this Cheeseburger Soup, as the dairy components may separate and become grainy upon thawing. For optimal taste and texture, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated for a few days.